The Spitter first appeared in Aliens: Colonial Marines and was one of several new Xenomorph castes created for the game, although its spitting attack has been encountered many times previously in the video game franchise.

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Spitters were first encountered by the USCM Private J. Ma, who was also the first to be killed by their acid spitting ability. Spitters were subsequently encountered by Corporal Christopher Winter, Private Peter O'Neal and Private Bella Clarison.

The Spitter possesses a head crest not dissimilar to those on Praetorians and Queens, albeit smaller. Their crest is also dotted with several pouches, apparently used to store acid, that resemble yellow-green pustules located on either side of the cranium. These pouches are apparently sensitive to damage; one of the fastest ways to eliminate a Spitter is to rupture the pouches, although the resulting explosion of acid can be fatal to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in its radius.[2] Spitters also possess large axe-like tails more commonly seen on Praetorians, but they prefer to use their acid spitting ability in combat instead.

The body of a Spitter is much more a blueish hue in color compared to other xenomorphs, and they possess many traits uncommon to both Warriors and Lurkers. The "paw" of a common Warrior is very round and efficient for movement in design, whereas Spitters possess particularly large claws on their paws. Spitters also appear to have an extra "rib" uncommon in other xenomorph species, making them easily the most unique aliens seen in the Origin Facility.

Spitters primarily keep their distance in combat, hurling acid at targets from afar, and are particularly dangerous when acting in coordination with other Xenomorph types that engage with melee attacks.[2] They also possess a significant jumping ability that allows them to rapidly relocate to a new vantage point on the battlefield, often making them difficult to pinpoint and kill. They apparently prefer to avoid close-range combat, as they will often be seen to retreat by leaping away if approached.[2]

John Mulkey stated the Spitter's design is a clear nod of the Spitter from Left for Dead 2 and the Dilophosaurus from Jurassic Park.

One of the multiplayer class abilities of the Spitter allows it to explode when critically damaged, showering nearby enemies in acid like the Boiler.

Unlike other xenomorph castes, Spitters seem to lack elongated canine teeth - visually supporting their role as ranged fighters. This trait also separates Spitters from the visually similar Praetorian caste.

It's worth noting that a Spitter xenomorph is never encountered off the planet of LV-426, possibly indicating enhancement at the Origin Facility.